Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by a progressive loss of structure and function of neurons and central nervous system (CNS) which has important consequences for patients, such as disability and suffering. An estimated 75 000 Canadians are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) which is the highest rates in the world. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease caused by a dysregulation of the immune response that results in the attack of nerve cells and myelin sheaths by auto-aggressive immune cells. MS, like numerous CNS diseases, is also associated with some aspects of blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. In the search for effective treatments, investigators should use representative model of the disease. BBB model can provide a valuable tool for studying mechanistic aspects related to the pathological process of MS and development of neuropharmaceuticals.

This work will aim to establish an in vitro cellular based system by co-culturing all three BBB components: endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes. Tri-cultivation represents the closest in vitro model of the in vivo situation. Clearly, the systematic approach suggested here will allowed a better understanding of the MS physiopathology and could lead to very significant contribution to basic research and even clinical opportunities. Moreover, the model will also be widely used for the study of many others CNS diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke and head or spinal cord injuries.